Tent

ABSTRACT

The invention relates to a tent comprising a tent skin, at least one elongated support element for supporting the tent skin in a tensioned state of the tent, and a deflection device which is configured for connection with two securing points and with the at least one support element and for transmitting a longitudinal tension, applied to the deflection device between the securing points, as transverse tension to the support element in order to curve the support element, wherein the at least one support element is connected to a pre-tensioning device which maintains the support element in a pre-tensioned and curved state independent of the tension of the deflection device.

The invention relates to a tent comprising: a tent skin; at least one elongated support element for supporting the tent skin in a tensioned state of the tent; and a deflection device which is adapted for connection to two securing points and to the at least one support element and for transmitting a longitudinal tension applied to the deflection device between the securing points as an inwardly directed transverse tension to the support element in order to curve the support element. That is, when the tent is set up and tensioned, the deflection device is tensioned between the two (i.e. precisely two) securing points and pulled lengthwise with respect to an untensioned position. The resulting transverse tension consequently brings about a deformation force directed inwardly onto the support element.

The tent skin is here quite generally that part of the tent or tent structure which forms the tent roof. The tent skin usually consists of nylon or polyester and optionally has a water-repellent coating. In the case of tents with several layers, in principle each layer (e.g. the inner and outer tent) has the function of a tent skin. The present invention relates in particular to a tunnel tent. In this type of tent, the elongated support element is arranged substantially transversely to a longitudinal axis of the tent. The support element can in particular be configured as a rod, e.g. curved pole made of fibreglass or continuous glass fibre rod. It forms a support structure or a framework of the tent. The tent skin thereby extends transversely to the support element on both sides and is for its part in a tensioned state of the tent, tensioned in the longitudinal direction beyond the support element or through under the support element. The deflection device can for example have deflection paths arranged on both sides of a base surface of the tent. Such deflection paths can possibly be formed by a part of the tent skin or optionally a tent floor, e.g. in the form of preferably reinforced edges of a tarpaulin.

Such a structure is already known from U.S. Pat. No. 8,365,749 B2. This describes a tent-like hunting blind with a roof supported by arcuate tensioned flexible rods. The tension of the rods is in this case brought about by a force applied in the longitudinal direction as longitudinal tension which results in a narrowing of the structure in the transverse direction as a result of the forces deflected inwards and a resulting transverse tension which forces the rods into an arcuate curvature. However, it cannot be deduced from U.S. Pat. No. 8,365,749 B2 how the directed direction of curvature is achieved starting from the rods which are obviously still fully untensioned during setup and introduced rectilinearly into corresponding guides.

In connection with a different type of support structure, it has already been proposed to predefine a curvature of a supporting arc in the horizontal or untensioned state of the tent. Such a support structure is known, for example from DE 102014007428 A1 or EP 1 905 927 A1. However, these structures have no deflection device for applying the desired final tension using only two securing points and therefore disadvantageously require a significantly increased additional expenditure when setting up the tent. Furthermore, the known structures are not suitable for a suspended use of the tent structure as according to U.S. Pat. No. 8,365,749 B2 because the support elements are tensioned by means of tensioning straps running transversely inside the arcs, which traverse the interior of the tent in an interfering manner.

Independently of the use in tents, WO 97/06326 A1 discloses arcuately tensioned support elements for protective roofs. Here also naturally no deflection device is provided since the protective roof shown ends in the longitudinal direction at the outermost support elements and is not tensioned in the longitudinal direction between two securing points but rather is held by rod-shaped spacers in its longitudinal extension.

It is the object of the invention to provide a tent which can be erected rapidly by applying a longitudinal tension between two securing points, wherein a desired direction of curvature of the support element or the support elements is maintained reliably and without manual intervention.

This object is solved in a tent of the type introduced initially whereby the at least one support element is connected to a pre-tensioning device which maintains the support element in a pre-tensioned and curved state independently of the tension of the deflection device. Preferably the support element can be connected permanently to the pre-tensioning device, e.g. sewn in a hollow seam. In such a case, the support element is not completely untensioned at any time point, i.e. neither during operation nor during transport of the dismantled tent, and the support element can thus also be designated as arc element.

Furthermore, it is advantageous if the at least one support element is connected via a flexible elastic erecting element, in particular a rubber band (and optionally a tensioning device), to at least one of the securing points, wherein the erecting element is preferably connected to a central part of the support element, wherein the central part corresponds to the middle 80%, preferably the middle 50%, of the total length of the support element. By applying a longitudinal tension between the securing points to which the erecting element is connected, the horizontal support element in the untensioned state of the tent is erected. The length of the erecting element is selected in such a manner that it is stretched in the erected state of the tent and thereby stabilizes or holds firmly the arc of the connected support element in the longitudinal direction. The erecting element can for example be formed by an elastic cord or an elastic band.

It has proved favourable with regard to the simple structure and for the order of the untensioned, optionally packed tent if the pre-tensioning device is formed as a sickle-shaped section of the tent skin, which is preferably arranged on an outer side of the tent, i.e. outside an interior formed by the tent skin in the tensioned state. As a result, no tent components can remain suspended between the support element and the pre-tensioning device and the tent is ready for application of the longitudinal tension immediately after unpacking.

It is furthermore favourable if at least one ventilation opening is provided in the tent skin between the support element and one of the securing points, whose dimensions are adapted to the sickle-shaped section in such a manner that the ventilation opening in the tensioned state of the tent is covered towards the top by the sickle-shaped section. A ventilation opening improves the air quality in the tent and counteracts condensation of moisture on the inner side of the tent skin. The ventilation opening can be protected against ingress of moisture from outside, e.g. when raining, by the roofing.

In particular, in the case of an elongated base surface of the tent, it is advantageous if the tent comprises two or more elongated support elements which in the tensioned state of the tent are arranged substantially transversely to a longitudinal axis of the tent running through the two securing points. As a result, an advantageous ratio of interior and base area or interior and area of the tent skin can be achieved. The support elements are preferably arranged parallel to one another.

In addition, it is advantageous if the distance between at least two adjacent support elements along the longitudinal axis is greater than the total of the arc heights of the arcs formed by the two adjacent pre-tensioned support element. The arc height of a support element is here defined as the distance between an imaginary line through the ends of the support element and the central point of the support element. This distance has the advantage that the support elements can be folded over towards one another (i.e. inwards) during dismantling and packing the tent and can then be folded over one another so that the arcs lie directly on one another.

In order to protect the interior of the tent towards the underside, the tent can additionally comprises a tent floor, e.g. an underlay tarpaulin, with a tensioning device for tensioning the tent between the two securing points, wherein the deflection device preferably comprises a part of the tent floor. For example, sections of the tarpaulin can function as deflection path and connected/connectable to the support element or the support elements, wherein the ends of the support elements preferably extend as far as one end of the tent skin adjoining the tent floor. The tent floor can be made of polyurethane. In the case of a sufficiently stable material which withstands the tensile forces thereby produced, the tent floor makes it possible to use the tent as a roofed-over hammock or suspended tent. That is, the tent can be tensioned between two securing points arranged at a distance above the floor and thereby—depending on the selected distance—be partially or completely raised from the floor.

For the use as a roofed-over hammock, it is favourable if the tent floor comprises an underlay tarpaulin whose width transversely to a longitudinal axis of the tent running through the two securing points is greater than the distance between the ends of the at least one pre-tensioned support element. As a result, the tent floor provides sufficient area in order—naturally as with such a fastening—to also form a part of the side wall of the tent without the supporting elements thereby curving inwards with the ends.

With regard to the fastening of the tent floor in a suspended state, it is favourable if the tensioning device comprises elongated anchoring elements connected to the tent floor at mutually opposite end regions of the tent floor. The anchoring elements can preferably be formed by textile strips. The tent floor can in this case have a substantially rectangular shape, wherein the end regions of the tent floor having the anchoring elements lie on the shorter sides of the rectangle.

For fastening to the tent floor, the anchoring elements can be received in hollow seams of the tent floor. As a result, the tent floor can be gathered at least in sections by application of a longitudinal tension to the tensioning device or the anchoring elements thereof, with the result that a uniform supporting of the tent floor is obtained over its entire width.

The tent skin can also be part of a tent structure to which the tent floor is connected detachably, in particular by zip fasteners. This makes it possible to use the tent floor independently for example as an (open) hammock or as a rain shelter. For the latter use a cowl can be integrated in the tent floor so that the tent floor can be worn as a cape over the shoulders, wherein the head of the wearer is protected against the weather by the cowl. Instead of zip fasteners, naturally other connecting means such as pairs of Velcro tape, hook/eye pairs or buttons (e.g. snap fasteners) can also be provided.

For easy transport of the tent, the tent can be accommodated in a transport bag, wherein the transport bag holds the support elements in a spirally rolled-in state. As a result of the simple support structure with only a few substantially shorter support elements compared with self-erecting tents, a particularly light tent with a particularly small pack size can be achieved.

The invention furthermore relates to a method for erecting the tent according to the invention as described previously, wherein the deflection device is connected to a first rigid securing point, is tensioned (i.e. a longitudinal stress is applied), wherein the at least one support element is erected (as a result of the tension on the tent skin and/or a specially provided erecting element) and is connected under tension to a second rigid securing point. The tent can be erected within a very short time, i.e. within a few seconds or significantly less than one minute.

In each case a tree or a tent peg anchored in the ground can be used as securing point. As a result of the simple securing which only requires two securing points, it is comparatively simple to find suitable securing points above the ground. For tents with three or more securing points however, the probability of finding, e.g. a suitable group of trees is very low.

The invention will be explained in further detail hereinafter by means of particularly preferred exemplary embodiments, to which it should not be restricted however, and with reference to the drawings.

In the figures in detail:

FIG. 1 shows a tent tensioned and erected between two securing points on the ground;

FIG. 2 shows the tent according to FIG. 1 in an untensioned state before erecting;

FIG. 3 shows the tent according to FIGS. 1 and 2 tensioned and erected between two securing points arranged above the ground;

FIG. 4 shows the tent floor of the tent according to FIGS. 1 to 3 in a completely spread-out state;

FIG. 5 shows the tent floor according to FIG. 4 folded for to form a rain shelter; and

FIG. 6 shows a use of the tent floor according to FIG. 4 as a hammock.

FIG. 1 shows a tent 1 according to the invention in the form of an elongated single-person tent or tunnel tent, comprising a tent structure 2 constructed on the ground (not shown) or generally on a flat surface. The tent structure 2 comprises a tent skin 3 which in the depicted tensioned state of the tent 1 is held above the ground by a support structure. In the depicted example, the support structure comprises two elongated support elements 4, 5, e.g. glass fibre rods. The support elements 4, 5 are received in hollow seams of the tent skin 3 and support the tent skin 3. The support elements 4, 5 run substantially transversely to the longitudinal axis of the tent 1 so that they achieve the greatest possible distance from the ground. The two ends 16 of the support elements 4, 5 are connected to a deflection device 6 which here is formed by the longitudinal-side lower edge regions of the tent skin 3 which function as deflecting paths. The deflection device 6 holds the support elements 4, 5 in the depicted curved state. For this purpose the deflection device 6 is tensioned between two securing points 7, 8 in the longitudinal direction of the tent 1.

The longitudinal direction corresponds to a tensile force acting on the tent 1 and its deflection device 6 in the longitudinal direction. This tensile force brings about a lengthening of the deflection device 6 in the longitudinal direction and in return a narrowing of the deflection device 6 in the transverse direction, i.e. a reduction in the distance between the two deflecting paths spaced apart in the transverse direction. Such a narrowing is counteracted by the restoring forces of the curved support elements 4, 5 which are directed outwards in the transverse direction. The deflection device 6 transmits the inwardly directed force in the transverse direction, which holds the support elements 4, 5 in their tension and curvature desired for the use of the tent, in the longitudinal direction onto the two securing points 7, 8.

The longitudinal tension of the deflection device 6 is in this case built up via a tensioning device with two anchoring elements 9, wherein the anchoring elements 9 are each connected to a securing point 7, 8. The anchoring elements 9 can, for example, be formed by webbing and are preferably length-adjustable so that their length can be adapted to the spacing between two predefined securing points 7, 8. Alternatively or additionally, at least one of the securing points 7, 8 can be formed by a freely positionable tent peg so that the spacing between the securing points 7, 8 can be adapted by moving the tent peg.

As a result of the transverse force applied symmetrically from both sides to the ends of the support elements 4, 5, the support elements 4, 5 and therefore the tent structure 2 of the tent 1 are stabilized overall in the transverse direction. In addition, the support elements 4, 5 are each connected to a flexible elastic erecting element 10. The erecting elements 10 are preferably attached at the midpoint of the support elements 4, 5 as a result of the optimal lever (the midpoint of the curved support elements 4, 5 is at the furthest distance from the surface). In this example, the erecting elements 10 are form by cord-like rubber bands which are connected via the anchoring elements 9 to the securing points 7, 8. In the tensioned state of the tent 1 according to FIG. 1, the erecting elements 10 are also tensioned. As a result of the tension of the erecting elements 10, the support elements 4, 5 are pulled at their midpoint in the longitudinal direction to the respectively nearer securing point 7, 8 so that the tent skin 3 is tensioned in the longitudinal direction in a central part 11 between the support elements 4, 5. The erecting elements 10 can be optionally fitted with an adjusting device for adjusting the length so that the length can be adapted to the respectively selected position of the tent 1, in particular the tent structure 2.

In the longitudinal direction outside the central part 11, i.e. in each case between the support elements 4, 5 and the anchoring elements 9, the tent skin 3 on both sides forms respectively one substantially conical terminating part 12. The terminating parts 12 are in each case connected along a connecting arc 13 (e.g. in the form of a connecting or joining seam) to the central part 11. Preferably the terminating parts 12 and the central part 11 are formed from a continuous tarpaulin. The pointed outer ends of the terminating parts 12 are each connected together with the connecting points of the deflecting tracks of the deflection device 6 to the tent-side ends of the anchoring elements 9 which keep the entire tent structure tensioned between the two securing points 7, 8.

In the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the tent skin 3 on the outer side of the tent 1 has respectively one sickle-shaped section 14 outside the connecting arcs 13. The sickle-shaped sections 14 are provided radially between the connecting arcs 13 and the support elements 4, 5 which are connected to the tent skin 3 at least partially radially outside the connecting arcs 13. The sickle-shaped sections 14 are pulled outwards under the tension of the erecting elements 10 in the longitudinal direction and form on both sides an awning 15 above the terminating parts 12. In the terminating parts 12 of the tent skin 3 ventilation openings (not shown) are provided under the awnings 15 thus formed which are protected from precipitation by the awnings 15.

On the underside of the tent structure 2, a tent floor 17 can be connected to the lower edge of the tent skin 3 (see FIG. 2 and FIG. 3). In order that, in the position of the tent 1 shown in FIG. 1 a tent floor 17 connected to the tent skin is held in a trough shape on the ground and is thus protected against any ingress of moisture, the support elements 4, 5 can have extensions 18 which project beyond the edge of the tent skin 3 and protrude downwards.

FIG. 2 shows the tent 1, shown in the tensioned state in FIG. 1, in an untensioned state. This state is untensioned insofar as the longitudinal tension applied in the longitudinal direction in FIG. 1 between the securing points 7, 8 is cancelled in the untensioned state, in particular because the deflection device is no longer connected to the securing points 7, 8. That is, the tent 1 in FIG. 1 is substantially untensioned in relation to the longitudinal direction.

The support elements 4, 5 are not completely untensioned according to the invention but are held in a curved state by a pre-tensioning device 19. The pre-tensioning device 19 is formed in this exemplary embodiment by the sickle-shaped section 14 of the tent skin 3, i.e. the sections 14 between the connecting arcs 13 and the support elements 4, 5. These sections 14 of the tent skin 3 each form a bowstring 20 running through the central point of the connecting arcs 13 by means of which the support elements 4, 5 are held curved at least inside a section delimited by the bowstring 20.

In the untensioned state according to FIG. 2, the pre-tensioned support elements 4, 5 as shown can be folded inwards over the folded-together and sunken central part 11 of the tent skin 3. For erecting the tent 1 starting from the position shown in FIG. 2, the anchoring elements 9 are pulled in the opposite direction and either fixed under tension to securing points 7, 8 (cf. FIG. 1) and/or after fixing at the securing points 7, 8, tensioned by length adjustment of the anchoring elements 9.

The tent skin 3 is connected to a tent floor 17 which comprises an underlay tarpaulin 21. The width of the underlay tarpaulin transversely to the longitudinal axis of the tent 1 is greater than the distance between the ends 16 of the support elements 4, 5. The advantage of this ratio is obtained from the alternative use of the tent 1 shown in FIG. 3.

FIG. 3 shows how the tent 1 can be used as a roofed-over hammock by fastening and tensioning it via its anchoring elements 9 between securing points 22, 23 at a distance above the ground, for example, to trees or hammock frames. The flexibility of the support structure proves to be particularly advantageous here because the tent structure can thereby be adapted to very different longitudinal stresses. The longitudinal stress naturally varies according to whether the tent 1 is occupied or substantially only loaded by its own weight. The tent skin 3 remains taut and tensioned regardless of the respectively acting longitudinal stress both in the transverse direction as a result of the adapted curvature of the support elements 4, 5 and also in the longitudinal direction as a result of the flexibility of the erecting elements 10. As a result of the generally higher mechanical loading capacity, the function of the deflection device in such applications is formed by the two longitudinal-side edges 24 of the tarpaulin 21.

FIG. 3 shows that a cowl 25 can be provided in the tarpaulin 21 on an underside lying opposite the tent structure 2 which can be used when the tent floor 17 is used as rain protection.

FIG. 4 shows the tent floor 17 in a completely spread-out position. The tent floor 17 has a substantially rectangular base area and has hollow seams 26 (e.g. tunnel seams) on its narrow sides for receiving the anchoring elements 9. The protruding ends of the anchoring elements 9 can be closed with the aid of carabiners to form loops by means of which the tent floor 3, optionally together with the tent structure 2 can be tensioned between two securing points as shown in FIG. 3.

As can be seen from FIG. 4, the cowl 25 is arranged in the centre of the tarpaulin 21. If the tent floor 17 is folded in the longitudinal direction over its central line, it reaches the position shown in FIG. 5 for use as rain protection (e.g. a rain poncho). In this case, the cowl 25 protrudes outwards over the fold line so that the tarpaulin 21 can be placed over the shoulders and the cowl 25 over the head of the user. Any zipper fasteners on the longitudinal-side edges 24 which are provided for connection to the tent skin can be used in this exemplary embodiment to close the rain protection. In addition, the anchoring elements 9 can be pulled partially from the hollow seams 26 and used as webbing for closing the rain protection.

In the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 6 the tent floor 17 alone, i.e. without the tent structure 2, is used as a hammock. The narrow-side ends of the tarpaulin 21 on which the hollow seams 26 are provided, are gathered in the position shown in FIG. 6 likewise when using the tent floor 17 as part of the tent 1 according to FIG. 3, i.e. when the tent floor 17 is connected to the tent structure 2, e.g. via zipper fasteners in the region of the longitudinal-side edges 24.

It is apparent that a mosquito net can advantageously also be used as a tent skin so that the tent can be used, for example as a hammock which protects against insects. In addition, it can be provided within the framework of the invention that the central part 11 of the tent structure 2 can be partially opened and closed with the aid of zipper fasteners in the tent skin 3 so that a ventilation of the interior is possible in addition to the ventilation openings under the awnings 15. If two or more tents 1 are provided according to the invention, the tent floors 17 can be closed together and thus extended to form larger rain ponchos or a larger tent tarpaulin by means of the zipper fasteners provided thereon. 

1. A tent comprising: a tent skin; at least one elongated support element for supporting the tent skin in a tensioned state of the tent; and a deflection device which is adapted for connection to two securing points and to the at least one support element and for transmitting a longitudinal tension applied to the deflection device between the securing points as transverse tension to the support element in order to curve the support element, wherein the at least one support element is connected to a pre-tensioning device which maintains the support element in a pre-tensioned and curved state independently of the tension of the deflection device.
 2. The tent according to claim 1, wherein the at least one support element is connected via a flexible elastic erecting element, in particular a rubber band, to at least one of the securing points, wherein the erecting element is preferably connected to a central part of the support element, wherein the central part corresponds to the middle 80%, preferably the middle 50%, of the total length of the support element.
 3. The tent according to claim 1, wherein the pre-tensioning device is formed as a sickle-shaped section of the tent skin, which sickle-shaped section is preferably arranged on an outer side of the tent.
 4. The tent according to claim 3, wherein at least one ventilation opening is provided in the tent skin between the support element and one of the securing points, and the dimensions of the ventilation opening are adapted to the sickle-shaped section in such a manner that the ventilation opening in the tensioned state of the tent is covered towards the top by the sickle-shaped section.
 5. The tent according to claim 1, wherein the tent comprises two or more elongated support elements which in the tensioned state of the tent are arranged substantially transversely to a longitudinal axis of the tent running through the two securing points.
 6. The tent according to claim 5, wherein the distance between at least two adjacent support elements along the longitudinal axis is greater than the total of the arc heights of the arcs formed by the two adjacent pre-tensioned support elements.
 7. The tent according to claim 1, wherein the tent additionally comprises a tent floor with a tensioning device for tensioning the tent between the two securing points.
 8. The tent according to claim 7, wherein the tent floor comprises an underlay tarpaulin whose width transversely to a longitudinal axis of the tent running through the two securing points is greater than the distance between the ends of the at least one pre-tensioned support element.
 9. The tent according to claim 8, wherein the tensioning device comprises elongated anchoring elements connected to the tent floor at mutually opposite end regions of the tent floor.
 10. The tent according to claim 9, wherein the anchoring elements are received in hollow seams of the tent floor.
 11. The tent according to claim 10, wherein the tent skin is part of a tent structure to which the tent floor is connected detachably, in particular by zip fasteners.
 12. The tent according to claim 11, wherein a cowl is integrated in the tent floor.
 13. The tent according to claim 1, wherein in a transport state of the tent the tent is accommodated in a transport bag, wherein the transport bag holds the support elements in a spirally rolled-in state.
 14. A method for erecting a tent according to claim 1, wherein the deflection device is connected to a first rigid securing point, is tensioned, wherein the at least one support element is erected and is connected under tension to a second rigid securing point.
 15. The method according to claim 14, wherein in each case a tree or a tent peg anchored in the ground is used 